Power tool

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a power tool comprising a support arm ( 110; 210; 310; 510 ) and a tool member ( 120; 220; 320; 520 ) supported at a first end ( 111; 211; 311; 511 ) of the support arm ( 110; 210; 310; 510 ), where a drive motor ( 101; 201 ) at a second end ( 112; 212; 312 ) of the support arm ( 110; 210; 310; 510 ) is arranged to power a drive belt ( 202; 302; 502 ) that drives the tool member ( 120; 220; 320; 520 ). The support arm ( 110; 210; 310; 510 ) comprises a frame member ( 305; 505 ) and a cover ( 113; 213; 313 ) attached to the frame member ( 305; 505 ), wherein the first end ( 111; 211; 311; 511 ) of the support arm ( 110; 210; 310; 510 ) further supporting a shield ( 121; 221; 321; 521 ) at least partially enclosing the tool member ( 120; 220; 320; 520 ). A distance member ( 230; 330; 430; 530 ) is arranged between the frame member ( 305; 505 ) and the shield ( 121; 221; 321; 521 ) and extends radially at right angles to the drive shaft ( 507 ), wherein a radially outer portion of the distance member ( 230; 330; 430; 530 ) is spaced a predetermined distance (s) from the shield ( 121; 221; 321; 521 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to power tools such as hand-held motor-driven tools. More specifically, the invention relates to rotary cutters or saws with a cover that protects a tool driving mechanism from moisture.

BACKGROUND

When operating a power tool it is often necessary to supply a liquid, such as water, in order to bind dust and debris and/or to cool the workpiece being cut. The resulting spray of liquid during cutting causes soiling of the power tool supporting the tool member and may reduce the service life of components of the driving mechanism, such as a drive belt or braking means for stopping the tool member after a cut.

In order to avoid this, it is common to provide a guard or shield around the tool member and some form of cover enclosing the drive mechanism. Covers of this type must provide protection against moisture, but must also be possible to remove to provide access for servicing and repair of the drive mechanism. Such covers can be effective against indirect spray of liquid but may not always be sufficient for larger volumes of moisture in the form of liquid running down portions of the power tool.

Hence there is a need for a cover that is easily removed and provides improved protection from relatively large amounts of spray and running liquid.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to provide a power tool that solves the above-mentioned problem. The object is achieved by a power tool according to claim 1.

In the subsequent text, the term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The connection can be such that the objects are either permanently connected or releasably connected, unless specifically stated. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term “comprising” means “including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in a so-described combination, group, series and the like. Terms such as “upper” and “lower” are used to define relative directions or locations of components and refer to such positions when the power tool is being supported by an operator when standing and holding the power tool in both hands. Similarly, terms such as “front” and “rear” are used to define relative directions or locations of components along the main extension of a support arm supporting a tool member. In this context, a drive motor for driving the tool member is located at the rear of the power tool, while the tool member is located at the front of the power tool.

According to one example, the invention relates to a power tool comprising a support arm and a tool member supported at a first end of the support arm. A drive motor is mounted at a second end of the support arm and is arranged to power a drive belt that drives the tool member. The drive motor can be an internal combustion engine, an AC or DC powered electric motor or a similar suitable drive device. The support arm can comprise a frame member and a cover attached to the frame member. The frame member can extend from the first end to the second end of the support arm to provide structural stability to the power tool. The frame member and the cover are connected to form a belt chamber enclosing the drive belt, a belt tensioner and a drive belt pulley with a drive shaft for driving the tool member at the first end of the support arm. This first drive belt pulley can be provided with a brake mechanism to allow the tool member to be braked and stopped after a completed cut. A corresponding, second drive belt pulley is provided at the second end of the support arm and is driven by the drive motor. The first end of the support arm is arranged to support a shield at least partially enclosing the tool member. The shield can be coupled to the support arm to allow it to be rotated over a predetermined angle about the drive shaft axis relative to the support arm.

According to the invention, a distance member is arranged between the frame member and the shield, which distance member extends radially in a plane at right angles to the drive shaft. At least one slip ring is supported between the distance member and the side of the shield. A radially outer portion of the distance member is spaced a predetermined distance from the shield. The spacing between the distance member and the shield forms a draining channel for liquid running down the side of the shield and prevents it from flowing onto the support arm and/or into the belt chamber. The draining channel can be partially annular, as the shield is only partially enclosing the tool member. The distance member is supported by the frame member and can be in contact with an edge portion of the cover along at least an upper part of the first end of the support arm. In locations where the distance member is in contact with the upper portion of the cover, it can extend a predetermined distance outside the edge portion of the cover where it is in contact with the distance member. The predetermined distance is measured at right angles to the edge of the cover in the plane of the distance member and can be at least 1 mm, more preferably selected in the range 1-15 mm depending on the size and type of power tool. The distance member can also extend a second predetermined distance outside the edge portion of the support arm in locations where the distance member is in contact with a lower portion of the first end of the support arm. The latter, second distance is equal to or larger than the above-mentioned predetermined distance. This arrangement ensures that liquid following the draining channel is guided downwards and away from the support arm, initially by the upper portion of the distance member and subsequently by a lower portion of the distance member. Liquid reaching the lower portion of the distance member will run off its lower portion without reaching the support arm. The distance member is mounted fixed against rotation onto the frame member. Non-limiting examples of suitable attachment means are cooperating, form-fitting projections/recesses, resilient snap-on connectors or fasteners, such as screws. Adhesive bonding or deformable fasteners are alternative options, although such methods would complicate replacement.

According to a further example, the distance member can comprise a flat annular section and an additional rear section extending a predetermined distance away from the first end of the support arm, in the general direction of the support arm. A protruding edge or lip can be arranged along at least an upper portion of the outer periphery of the distance member, which edge extends a predetermined distance towards the shield. The peripheral edge of the distance member extending outside the edge portion of the cover can have a longitudinal extension from the rearmost part of the upper portion of the distance member, which first location can be defined by a first angle measured from a reference plane through the axes of the pulleys, with a locus through the axis of the first pulley at the front of the support arm and with a reference angle extending forwards from the first pulley. The first location is positioned where an extension of this first angle intersects the upper portion of the distance member. The minimum extension of the edge portion of the distance member extends from this first location forwards to a second location determined by a second angle, covering a sector from the first to the second location along the upper portion of the distance member. The second angle determining the minimum extension can be dependent on the shape and size of the shield. The maximum extension of the edge portion of the distance member extends from the first location forwards to a third location determined by a third angle, covering a sector from the first to the third location along the upper portion of the distance member. The maximum extension can extend up to a front portion at the foremost tip of the first end of the support arm. Non-limiting examples of suitable angles for the minimum extension can be a sector enclosed between the angles 45° and 135° measured counter-clockwise from the reference angle. The maximum extension can be a sector enclosed between the angles 0° and 135° measured counter-clockwise from the reference angle.

By extending the length of the edge portion of the distance member the function of the draining channel can be improved even if the cutting tool is held with the support arm at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. The protruding edge can extend over part of or the entire extension of the peripheral edge of the distance member. The function of the protruding edge is to prevent liquid from “climbing” out of the draining channel and over the peripheral edge of the distance member in locations where the edge portion of the cover contacts the distance member.

In addition, a rear portion of the outer periphery of the distance member can be provided with a second protruding edge. The second protruding edge preferably forms a continuation of the first protruding edge described above. The function of the second protruding edge is to guide liquid from at least the draining channel down the side of a substantially flat rear portion of the distance member and towards the lower peripheral edge of the lower portion of the distance member. The protruding edge or lip preferably extends along a major part of the rear portion, wherein the edge can extend at least half way down the peripheral edge of the rear portion. As in the case of the first protruding edge along the upper portion of the distance member, this second protruding edge or lip extends a predetermined distance c towards the shield.

According to a further alternative example the upper portion of a distance member can, in addition to a protruding edge, be provided with a deflector extending out of the plane of the distance member in the opposite direction of the protruding edge. The deflector is arranged at an acute angle out of the plane of the distance member, which angle can be selected in the range 10° to 60°, more preferably within the range 20° to 45°. The deflector is arranged to extend a predetermined distance away from the upper portion of the distance member, which distance is selected in the range 5-50 mm. The acute angle and the predetermined distance are selected depending on the size of the power tool and its intended use. For instance, a larger power tool can be provided with a larger deflector, as the amount of liquid spray is likely to be larger

According to a further example, the cover comprises a first surface, or side surface, arranged parallel with and adjacent the drive belt pulley, facing away from the tool member. A second surface, or edge surface, is arranged along the extension of the drive belt within the belt chamber and extending in a lateral direction between the first surface and the frame member. A portion of the second surface of the cover can extend over at least a part of the outer periphery of the frame member and into contact with the distance member at the first end of the support arm. By allowing the second surface to overlap a peripheral edge surface of the frame member, a moisture resistant seal can be provided between the component parts along the extension of the support arm. Further, by allowing a portion of the second surface of the cover to come into contact with the distance member at the first end of the support arm, moisture resistance is improved further in the region of the power tool with the highest exposure to liquid spray.

In order to attach the cover to the frame member, the frame member comprises at least one threaded fixing member for the cover, which fixing member extends away from the tool member parallel to the axis of the drive shaft for the drive belt pulley. The cover can have one, two, or three or more fasteners, such as nuts, configured to secure the cover to the frame member. The number of fasteners can depend on the location, size, and shape of the cover. The size of the power tool, the size of each fastener, and the necessary securement can further influence the number of fasteners to be implemented. In at least one example, the guard cover can be secured by one fastener. In another example, the guard cover can be secured by at least three fasteners. In at least one example, the guard cover can have at least three fasteners with the third fastener being offset from the first and second fasteners. Preferably, the cover is assembled onto the frame member in a direction at right angles to the plane of the tool member, i.e. in a direction parallel to the at least one fixing member.

The cover can further include at least one through recess formed between an inner surface and an outer surface of the side surface of the cover. The at least one through recess can be configured to receive a corresponding threaded fixing member, such as a bolt or screw or threaded stud, and a threaded fastener for engaging the threaded member. In at least one example, the cover can include a plurality of through recesses formed therein, each configured to receive a corresponding threaded member and threaded nut for engaging the corresponding threaded member. The number of threaded members and nuts can vary depending on the size of the cover, the arrangement of the cover, the size of the threaded member, the size of the nut, and other factors configured to ensure a secure arrangement between the cover and the power tool.

The cover can comprise a single or several cover sections. In the subsequent text, examples will be given for covers comprising two sections, but the invention is not limited to the use of only two cover sections. According to one example, the cover can comprise a first cover section at the first end of the support arm and a second cover section at the second end adjacent the drive motor. The first cover section is removably mounted onto the at least one threaded fixing member on the frame member. At least the first cover section comprises at least one captive fastener cooperating with a corresponding threaded fixing member.

The side surface of the first cover section provides means for retaining the at least one fastener or nut when it is loosened from its fixing member. When a power tool includes a cover as described herein, the fasteners can be loosened from an installed configuration so that the cover can be removed. Additionally, the captive fasteners are retained by the cover to prevent the fasteners from becoming lost or misplaced. The retention device for the one or more fasteners as presented herein includes a receiving portion and a retaining cover in the side surface of the cover. The receiving portion can have a depth to accommodate the full height of the fastener, such that in an installed configuration no portion of the fastener extends through the through holes. In an uninstalled configuration, the fastener, though captively held within the receiving portion, can move within the depth of the receiving portion. The receiving portion can be integrally formed with the guard cover.

A power tool as described above has the advantage of providing improved protection against moisture, while facilitating easy removal of the cover to provide access for servicing and repair of the drive mechanism. The cover provides effective protection against both indirect spray of liquid as well as larger volumes of moisture in the form of liquid running down portions such as the shield of the power tool. The advantages are achieved by a draining channel between the shield enclosing the tool member and a distance member on the supporting arm, which channel guides liquid running down the side of the shield past the support arm and prevents it from flowing onto the support arm and/or into the belt chamber. The distance member is further arranged to prevent liquid from “climbing” out of the draining channel and over the peripheral edge of the distance member.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a power tool according to the invention;

FIG. 2 A shows a side view of a power tool according to the invention;

FIG. 2B shows an enlarged side view of the power tool in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a support arm according to the invention;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a distance member according to the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a partial cross-section B-B of the distance member in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C shows a partial cross-section of an alternative distance member;

FIG. 4D shows a partial cross-section C-C of the distance member in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A shows a cross-section A-A of the first end of the support arm in FIG. 2A; and

FIG. 5B shows an enlarged view of an assembly in FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a power tool 100 comprising a support arm 110 and a tool member 120 supported at a first end 111 of the support arm 110. A drive motor 101 is mounted at a second end 112 of the support arm 110 and is arranged to power a drive belt (see FIGS. 2A & 3) that drives the tool member 120. The drive motor 101 can be an internal combustion engine, an AC or DC powered electric motor or a similar suitable drive device. The support arm 110 comprises a frame member (see FIG. 3) and a cover 113 attached to the frame member. In this example, the cover 113 comprises a first cover section 114 removably attached to the first end 111 of the support arm 110 and a second cover section 115 removably attached to the second end 112 of the support arm 110. The frame member is connected to a frame (not shown) that is connected to the drive motor 101 and extends from the first end 111 to the second end 112 of the support arm 110 to provide structural stability to the power tool 100. The frame member and the cover 113 are connected to form a belt chamber enclosing the drive belt, a belt tensioner and a first drive belt pulley 103 (not shown, see FIG. 3) with a drive shaft for driving the tool member 120 at the first end 111 of the support arm 110. This first drive belt pulley 103 can be provided with a brake mechanism to allow the tool member 120 to be braked and stopped after a completed cut. A corresponding, second drive belt pulley 104 is provided at the second end 112 of the support arm 110 and is driven by the drive motor 101. The first end 111 of the support arm 110 is arranged to support a shield 121 at least partially enclosing the tool member 120. The shield 121 is coupled to the support arm 110 to allow it to be rotated over a predetermined angle about the drive shaft axis X (see FIGS. 2A & 3) relative to the support arm 110.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the power tool in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A indicates the power tool 200 comprising the support arm 210 and the tool member 220 supported at the first end 211 of the support arm 210. The drive motor 201 is mounted at the second end 212 of the support arm 210 and is arranged to power a drive belt 202 (indicated with dashed lines; see FIG. 3) that drives the tool member 220. The support arm 110 comprises the structural frame member (see FIG. 3) and the cover 213 attached to the frame member. The belt chamber is formed by the frame member and the cover 113 which are connected to enclose the drive belt 202, a belt tensioner (not shown) and the first and second drive belt pulleys 203, 204 (indicated in dashed lines). The drive shaft (see FIG. 3) for driving the tool member 220 is located at the first end 211 of the support arm 210. The second drive belt pulley 204 provided at the second end 212 of the support arm 210 and is driven by the drive motor 201. The first end 211 of the support arm 210 supports the shield 221, which shield 221 is coupled to the support arm 210 to allow it to be rotated over a predetermined angle about the drive shaft axis X relative to the support arm 210. A distance member 230 is arranged between the frame member (see FIG. 3) and the shield 221, which distance member 230 extends radially in a plane at right angles to the axis X of the drive shaft.

FIG. 2B shows an enlarged side view of the power tool in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B illustrates a longitudinal axis corresponding to a a plane through the axes of the pulleys in the support arm 210. The FIG. also shows the distance member 230 having a peripheral edge extending above the front and upper portion of the support arm 210.

The peripheral edge has a longitudinal extension along its outer periphery that can be selected between a minimum and a maximum value. The extension is defined by a position on the rearmost part of the upper portion of the distance member, which first location is defined by a first angle measured from a plane through the axes of the pulleys, with a locus through the axis of the first pulley at the front of the support arm and with a reference angle extending forwards from the first pulley. In this example, the first angle (δ+ε) is approximately 135° measured counter-clockwise from the reference plane. The minimum extension of the peripheral edge extends from this first location forwards to a second location determined by a second angle ε, covering a sector enclosing the angle δ from the first to the second location. In this example, the second angle s is approximately 45° measured counter-clockwise from the reference plane. Hence, the sector encloses an angle δ equal to 90° The second angle determining the minimum extension can be dependent on the shape and size of the shield. The maximum extension of the peripheral edge extends from the first location forwards to a third location determined by a third angle γ, covering a sector from the first to the third location. The maximum extension can extend up to a front portion at the foremost tip of the first end of the support arm. In this example, the sector enclosed by the third angle γ is approximately 135° measured counter-clockwise from the reference angle.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the support arm 310 in FIG. 1. The FIG. shows the support arm 310 and the tool member 320 supported at the first end 311 of the support arm 310. The support arm 310 comprises the frame member 305 and the cover 313 attached to the frame member 305. The cover 313 comprises a first surface 341, or side surface, arranged parallel with and adjacent the drive belt pulley, facing away from the tool member 320. A second surface 342, or edge surface, is arranged along the extension of the drive belt 302 within the belt chamber and extending in a lateral direction between the first surface 341 and the frame member 305. A portion of the second surface 342 of the cover 313 can extend over at least a part of the outer periphery of the frame member 305 and into contact with the distance member 330 at the first end 311 of the support arm 310. When assembled, an edge portion 316 of the first cover section 314 extends over a peripheral edge portion 306 of the frame member 305. The frame member 305 and the cover 313 form a belt chamber enclosing the drive belt 302, the first drive belt pulley 303 and the second drive belt pulley (see FIG. 2A). The cover 313 comprises the first cover section 314 removably attached to the first end 311 of the support arm 310 and a second cover section 315 removably attached to the second end 312 of the support arm 310. The first cover section 314 is shown removed from the support arm 310 to expose the first pulley 303 and the drive belt 302.

The side surface of the first cover section 314 provides means for retaining a number of fasteners 317 when they are loosened from corresponding threaded fixing members 318 located on the frame member 305. The fasteners 317 (not shown) can be loosened from an installed configuration (see FIG. 1) so that the cover can be removed (see FIG. 3). The captive fasteners 317 are retained by the first cover section 314 to prevent the fasteners 317 from becoming lost or misplaced. The retention device for the one or more fasteners as presented herein includes a receiving portion and a retaining cover in the side surface of the first cover section 314. The receiving portion can have a depth to accommodate the full height of each fastener, such that in an installed configuration no portion of the fasteners extends through the through holes. In an uninstalled configuration, the fasteners, though captively held within the receiving portion, can move within the depth of the receiving portion.

The example shown in FIG. 3 illustrates fasteners 317 in the form of nuts (not shown) arranged to cooperate with threaded screws 318 fixed to the frame 306. Each nut 317 comprises a head having an outer end shaped to cooperate with a suitable tool and an adjacent, enlarged portion. The outer end of the head can be accessed through holes in the first cover section 314. The dimension of each hole is smaller than the dimensions of the respective enlarged portion of the head, allowing the fasteners 317 to be retained in the receiving portion. The receiving portion can be integrally formed with the first cover section 314. According to an alternative example, the fasteners held captive in the cover can be screws. In this example, the screws are arranged to cooperate with threaded bores located in projecting members extending from and fixed to the frame.

FIG. 3 further shows the distance member 330 arranged between the frame member 305 and a first side 322 the shield 321 facing the frame member 305. The distance member 330 extends radially in a plane at right angles to the drive shaft axis X. In this example, a slip ring 331 is supported between the distance member 330 and a resilient member 332 supported by a central portion 323 of the shield 321 the side 322 of the shield 321. A radially outer portion of the distance member 330 is spaced a predetermined distance from the shield 321 (see FIG. 5A). The spacing (see FIG. 5A) between the distance member 330 and the shield 321 forms a draining channel for liquid running down the side of the shield 321 and prevents it from flowing onto the support arm 310 and/or into the belt chamber formed by the first cover section 314 and the frame member 305. The draining channel is partially annular, as the shield 321 only encloses the tool member 320 over a predetermined arcuate sector β (see FIG. 2B). The sector β shown in FIG. 2B is approximately 200°. Over the remaining arcuate section, any liquid present will be thrown radially outwards by the rotating tool member 320. The distance member 330 is supported by the frame member 305 and is in contact with the edge portion 316 of the first cover section 314 along at least a part of the first end 311 of the support arm 310. In locations where the distance member 330 is in contact with the first cover section 314, it can extend a predetermined radial distance (see FIG. 5A) outside the edge portion 316 of the first cover section 314 contacting the distance member 330. The predetermined distance is measured in the radial plane of the distance member 330 relative to the axis X. The predetermined distance can be selected in the range 1-5 mm depending on the size and type of power tool.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a distance member 430 according to the invention. In this example, the distance member 430 comprises a flat annular section 431 and optionally an additional rear portion 432 extending a predetermined distance away from the first end of the support arm (see FIG. 2A; “210”, “211”), towards its second end (see FIG. 2A; “212”) in the general direction of the support arm. According to a preferred example, a protruding edge or lip 433 is arranged along at least an upper portion 434, 438 of the outer periphery of the distance member 430, which edge 433 extends a predetermined distance d towards the shield (see FIGS. 4B & 5A). The central opening 435 provides an aperture through which the tool member can be connected to the drive shaft and the shield can be rotatably coupled to the frame member (see FIG. 5A). The distance member 430 is provided with holes 437 for fasteners (not shown), allowing it to be mounted fixed against rotation onto the frame member (see FIG. 3). Non-limiting examples of alternative attachment means are cooperating, form-fitting projections/recesses, resilient snap-on connectors or fasteners, such as screws.

FIG. 4B shows a partial cross-section B-B of an upper portion 438 the distance member 430 in FIG. 4A, indicating the location of the protruding edge 433. The function of the protruding edge 433 is to prevent liquid from “climbing” out of the draining channel, up the side of the substantially flat annular section 431 of the distance member 430 and over the upper peripheral edge of the distance member in locations where an edge portion (see FIG. 3, “316”) of the cover contacts the distance member 430. The protruding edge or lip 433 is arranged along a part of or over the entire upper portion 438 of the outer periphery of the distance member 430 and extends a predetermined distance d towards the shield. The predetermined distance d is measured substantially at right angles to the distance member and can be at least 1 mm, more preferably selected in the range 1-5 mm depending on the available space between the distance member 430 and the shield.

FIG. 4C shows a partial cross-section of an alternative example of the upper portion of a distance member 430 a. In addition to a protruding edge 433 a the distance member 430 a is provided with a deflector 440 extending out of the plane of the distance member 430 a in the opposite direction of the protruding edge 433 a. The deflector 440 is arranged at an acute angle a out of the plane of the distance member 430 a, which angle is selected in the range 10° to 60°, more preferably within the range 20° to 45°. The deflector 440 is arranged to extend a predetermined distance c away from the upper portion of the distance member 430 a, which distance is selected in the range 5-50 mm. The angle α and the predetermined distance b are selected depending on the size of the power tool and its intended use. For instance, a larger power tool can be provided with a larger deflector, as the amount of liquid spray is likely to be larger.

FIG. 4D shows a partial cross-section C-C of a rear portion 432 the distance member 430 in FIG. 4A, indicating the location of a second protruding edge 441. The second protruding edge 441 preferably forms a continuation of the first protruding edge 433 described in FIGS. 4A and 4B above. The function of the second protruding edge 441 is to guide liquid from at least the draining channel down the side of the substantially flat rear portion 432 of the distance member 430 and towards the lower peripheral edge of the lower portion 439 of the distance member 430. The protruding edge or lip 441 extends along a major part of the rear portion 432, wherein the edge 441 extends at least half way down the peripheral edge of the rear portion 432. The protruding edge or lip 441 extends a predetermined distance c towards the shield. The predetermined distance c is measured substantially at right angles to the plane of the distance member 430 and can be at least 0.2 mm, more preferably selected in the range 0.4 mm to 5 mm depending on the available space between the rear portion 432 of the distance member 430 and the shield.

The protruding edges 433, 433 a, 441 described in connection with FIGS. 4A-4D have been schematically illustrated as having rectangular cross-section. However, within the scope of the invention, these edges can be given any suitable cross-sectional shape that provides the desired liquid guiding function.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-section A-A of the first end 511 of the support arm 510 in FIG. 2A, in a plane through the axis X of the drive shaft 507 for the drive belt pulley 503 for the drive belt 502. The first end 511 of the support arm 510 comprises the frame member 505 and the first cover section 514 attached to the frame member 505. When assembled, the edge portion 516 of the first cover section 514 extends over a peripheral edge portion 506 of the frame member 505. The frame member 505 and the first cover section 514 forms a belt chamber enclosing the drive belt 502 and the first drive belt pulley 503.

FIG. 5A further shows the distance member 530 arranged between the frame member 505 and a first side 522 the shield 521 facing the frame member 505. The distance member 530 extends radially in a plane at right angles to the drive shaft axis X. In this example, a slip ring 531 is supported between the distance member 530 and a resilient member 532 supported by a central portion 524 of the shield 521. A radially outer portion of the distance member 530 is spaced a predetermined distance s from the shield 521. The spacing s between the distance member 530 and the shield 521 forms a draining channel 533 for liquid running down the side of the shield 521 and prevents it from flowing onto the support arm 510 and/or into the belt chamber formed by the first cover section 514 and the frame member 505. The draining channel 533 is partially annular, as the shield 521 only encloses the tool member 520 over a predetermined arcuate section (see FIG. 2A). Over the remaining arcuate section, any liquid present will be thrown radially outwards by the rotating tool member 520. The distance member 530 is mounted onto and supported by an annular ledge 508 extending from the frame member 505 towards the tool member 520. The distance member 530 is in contact with the edge portion 516 of the first cover section 514 along at least a part of the first end 511 of the support arm 510. In locations where the distance member 530 is in contact with an upper portion 438 (see FIG. 4A) of the first cover section 514, it can extend a predetermined radial distance r outside the edge portion 516 of the first cover section 514 contacting the distance member 530. The predetermined radial distance r is measured in the radial plane of the distance member 530 relative to the axis X. The predetermined distance can be selected in the range 1-5 mm depending on the size and type of power tool. The distance member 530 can also extend a predetermined distance outside the edge portion 516 in locations where the distance member 530 is in contact with a lower portion 518 of the first cover section 514. This distance is equal to or larger than the radial distance r. This arrangement ensures that liquid following the draining channel 533 is guided downwards and away from the support arm 510, initially by the upper portion 438 (see FIG. 4A) of the distance member 530 and subsequently by a lower portion 539 b (see FIG. 5B) of the distance member 530. The figure also indicates attachment means for mounting the shield 521 onto the support arm 510 and clamping means for attaching the tool member 520 to the drive shaft 507. These features are not part of the invention as such and will not be described in further detail here.

FIG. 5B shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5A, adjacent the lower portion of the distance member 530. In the direction from the frame 505 towards the tool member 520, the assembly comprises the distance member 530, the slip ring 531 and a resilient member 532. In the example shown, the slip ring 531 is a separate component supported between the distance member 530, acting as a slip ring holder, and the resilient member 532. Alternatively, the slip ring can be integrated into either the distance member or the resilient member. This can be achieved either by, for instance, injection moulding or adhesive bonding during manufacture of the distance member or the resilient member. According to a further alternative, the function of the slip ring can be performed by a suitable coating provided on one or both facing components. The resilient member 532 supported by a central portion 524 of the shield 521 and is mounted in one or more recesses in the central portion 524 to prevent it from rotating. The central portion 524 of the shield comprises an opening through which the drive shaft 507 extends. The purpose of the resilient member 532 is to prevent or reduce transmission of vibrations from the tool member 520 to the support arm 510. The assembly also provides a means for adjusting the angular position of the shield about the cutting member, while at the same time holding the shield in the selected position.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A power tool comprising a support arm and a tool member supported at a first end of the support arm, wherein a drive motor at a second end of the support arm is arranged to power a drive that drives the tool member; the support arm comprising a frame member and a cover attached to the frame member; the frame member and the cover forming a belt chamber enclosing the drive belt and a first drive belt pulley with a drive shaft for driving the tool member; the first end of the support arm further supporting a shield at least partially enclosing the tool member, characterized in that a distance member is arranged between the frame member and the shield and extends in a plane at right angles to the drive shaft, wherein a peripheral edge portion of the distance member is spaced a predetermined distance from the shield along a direction parallel to the drive shaft.
 2. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that spacing between the distance member and the shield forms a draining channel.
 3. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance member is in contact with an edge portion of the cover along at least a part of the first end of the support arm.
 4. A power tool according to claim 3, characterized in that the distance member extends a second predetermined distance outside the edge portion of the cover contacting the distance member.
 5. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance member comprises a flat annular section and an additional rear section extending a second predetermined distance away from the first end of the support arm.
 6. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral edge of the distance member has a maximum extension along its upper portion from a rearmost portion of the distance member to a front portion at the foremost tip of the first end of the support arm.
 7. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that a protruding edge is arranged along at least an upper portion of the outer periphery of the distance member, the protruding edge extending a second predetermined distance towards the shield.
 8. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance member is mounted fixed against rotation on the frame member.
 9. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover comprises a first surface arranged parallel with and adjacent the drive belt pulley and a second surface arranged along the extension of the drive belt and extending between the first surface and the frame member.
 10. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the second surface extends over at least a part of the outer periphery of the frame member and into contact with the distance member.
 11. A power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame member comprises at least one threaded fixing member for the cover, which fixing member extends parallel to the axis of the drive shaft for the belt pulley.
 12. A power tool according to claim 11, characterized in that the cover comprises a first cover section at the first end of the support arm and a second cover section at the second end adjacent the drive motor.
 13. A power tool according to claim 12, characterized in that the first cover section is removably mounted onto the at least one threaded fixing member on the frame member.
 14. A power tool according to claim 12, characterized in that the first cover section comprises at least one captive fastener cooperating with a corresponding threaded fixing member. 